NBA: 5 rookies that have stood out during the first week of preseason

Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets

After being selected 14th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2018 NBA Draft, Michael Porter Jr. failed to log a single minute a season ago. An unfortunate back injury held Porter Jr. out for his entire rookie campaign.

Therefore, this season will be MPJ’s first official year as an NBA player. In college, Porter was derailed by an injury in the first half of his season opener. He injured his lower back and required surgery that kept him out for the whole 2017-18 season.

MPJ hasn’t played basketball in 571 days. Ultimately, leaving much uncertainty in how his body will handle the daily grind of the NBA.

Coming out of high school the 6-foot-10 sharpshooter gained numerous comparisons to superstar Kevin Durant. Standing at almost 7-feet tall, the two have a similar play style. At their height, both players possess elite shooting and the ability to dribble through traffic like a guard.

MPJ scored nine points in his debut and scored immediately after coming into the game with a nifty step-back jumper.

Coming into the situation in Denver has worked out quite nicely for the rookie. He’s been able to ease himself into his role, as opposed to carrying the responsibility of an entire franchise like other rookies.

Through two games, Michael Porter Jr. has averaged 10.5 points on 71 percent shooting in 14 minutes. He doesn’t necessarily have eye-popping numbers, but definitely efficient ones.

His body has reacted well in his first two games back. The athleticism is there and the shot-making ability still remains solid. For a guy who hasn’t played basketball in nearly two years, I’d say he’s performed really well.

A versatile forward standing a 6-foot-10 with guard-like handles can be beneficial to any team in this new era of basketball.

Porter Jr. will be the x-factor for Denver moving forward. His play, alone, can make the Nuggets a legitimate contender, and he’s surely impressed thus far.